Thursday, June 22, 2017

Chess960 puzzle no.19

One of the most incredible openings I have ever seen in chess960 after only eight moves. You would think clearly white is better but white has some big weaknesses even though black's king is exposed.

SP650: Black to play (castling all sides/colours still possible)
Which side do you think is better in this position?
Answer bottom left corner below







Answer: black is better because of serious weakness on e2
(checked with Stockfish engine)
8)     ...Nf4  threatening bishop and fork on e2
9)Bf3  ...     defending fork
9)     ...Nd4  threatening e2 fork and attacking a4
10)Nb6+...Kb8  quiet move before the next wave of attacks
11)Ng3 ...     defending fork and developing
11)    ...g5!  threatening to undermine Bf3 and preparing Qg6
12)Nxa8...g4!  undermining e2 defense
13)Qf1 ...      stepping out of fork attacking a6
13)    ...Bb5  black actually does a bit of defending!
14)d3  ...     guarding c2 against Qg6 and attacking b4
14)    ...gxf3 capturing material
15)gxf3..      else queening threat!
15)    ...Qg6  threatening mating line beginning Nxc2!
white is completely lost